Mets clear arbitration slate with Duda deal

Summary of 2 articles · Updated Jan 22, 2014

The Mets will once again avoid any arbitration hearings, agreeing on Wednesday to a one-year deal with Lucas Duda. Duda primarily has played the outfield during his four seasons with the Mets, including last season, when he made 58 starts in left field. T… (more)hough it seemed rather unlikely entering the offseason, Duda is now expected to compete with Ike Davis for the Mets' first-base job. The reported salary agreement falls slightly closer to the $1.9 million Duda requested than it does to $1.35 million counteroffer made by the Mets when the two sides exchanged figures on Friday. Eligible for arbitration for the first time, he had asked for a raise from $519,240 to $1.9 million and had been offered $1.35 million. All rights reserved. Instead, he will try to win the starting first-base job over Davis, with the position battle's second-place finisher either heading to the bench or the Minors if the Mets are unable to find him a new home. The first baseman-outfielder was sidelined from late June until late August because of a strained muscle between his ribs.